FAQ

What's the snow like at Skifest?

Val Thorens is located in a valley surrounded by six glaciers with 99% of the runs at an altitude above 2,000m ensuring an incredible coverage of snow from when the resort opens at the end of November. Late November and early December annually sees big dumps of snow in the Alps and Val Thorens is renowned for its volume of snow early in the season!

Is Skifest accommodation on the snow?

Yes, our apartments are superbly located right on the snow so you’ve got a short walk from your front door to the slopes!

What facilities are at the resort?

While the unrivalled snow terrain is what draws people to the Three Valleys, Val Thorens also offers an incredible range of alternative activities during the day. Val Thorens also has an amazing range of shopping available and fashions itself as the gastro-capital of the Alps with everything from traditional family-run bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants - there's something for every budget!

What facilities are in the apartments?

Our apartments are available in two, three, four and six-share. Apartments come with a combination of bunk and sofa beds and have kitchenette, dining table, balcony, shower and WC.

What bedding do I need to bring?

Our apartments have pillows and blankets provided so you will need sheets and a pillow case. You can bring these along with you or they can be hired at the resort for €15. Alternatively you could bring along a sleeping bag.

Can I share an apartment with my mates?

Of course! If you’d like to share an apartment with friends booked separately just email us at london@thefanatics.com with everyone’s names and we’ll link your bookings to get you together on the tour.

Can I also reserve lessons?

Lessons are available to add to your Skifest booking or can be added separately from your tour package. Lessons are run in 2-hour sessions and can be booked in packages of 2 days.

Can I try both skiing and snowboarding during the week?

Our packages include optional skis or snowboard hire for the week. It’s not possible to change between these during the week however you can hire skis or a snowboard on a daily basis from the hire shops in the resort if you would like to try changing for a day.

Can I book extra nights?

Resorts in France take reservations on a weekly basis so it’s not possible to extend your accommodation reservation unless you’d like to stay for an extra week.

Where can I get ski clothes?

Fanatics have teamed up with Crevasse Clothing to give you the opportunity to rent your ski clothes & accessories. Our clothing hire pack includes ski jacket & trousers, gloves, goggles and thermal socks. Best of all the clothes will be delivered to the resort ready for your arrival and collected at the resort when we're done. Clothing rental can be added to your Skifest package or booked separately under the Tours heading above.

If you'd prefer to buy your own gear then for best deals in London try Lillywhites (Piccadilly Circus), Mountain Warehouse (Covent Garden & Putney) or TK Maxx (various locations).

What do I need to bring with me?

Ski gear:

Jacket: waterproof, preferably breathable, with a hood

Ski Trousers: waterproof, preferably breathable

Beanie: an exclusive Skifest beanie is included for all tour members!

Gloves or mitts: make sure they're waterproof

Goggles: needed for when it's snowing or very windy

Fleece: a fleece jumper under your jacket to keep you warm

Thermals: make a big difference to your warmth

Socks: thick and long! Ideally a few pairs

Suntan Lotion: the UV rays are stronger being at altitude and reflect off the snow

Bath towel

Linen / sleeping bag: the apartments have blankets but bed sheets are not provided. You can bring your own, or they can be hired at the resort for approx €15 for the week

Leather footwear/sports shoes are usually fine around the resort

Daypack: to carry goodies with you on the slopes like a water bottle, snacks & extra clothing, etc

Fancy dress costume (details to be announced in November)!

Secret Santa Christmas present to the value of £5

Essentials:

Passport (a visa is not required for Aussies & Kiwis)

Travel insurance documents - please contact us if you would like information on purchasing travel insurance

Any essential personal medication

Some Euros in cash

What size suitcase can I bring?

People on our Eurostar transport can bring one standard size suitcase or backpack. Anyone bringing their own skis/snowboard can also bring a bag with their snow equipment.

Is there anything I need to know before I come to maximise the trip?

All tour information will be available on our website and on our notice boards during the tour. Tour departure details will be on our website two weeks before the tour. We will also be running a Tour Info night at our Summer Tour Reunion party in October so those of you in London can come along and check out our video footage of past tours, have a beer or two with others coming to Skifest this year and ask our crew any questions you have about the festival.

If booking for more than one person what is the best way to pay?

Getting a group along to Skifest? You can either make your booking together on one invoice by paying the deposit payment on one card and then making balance payments on as many different cards as you like, or you can simply make individual bookings and then email us at london@thefanatics.com and we will link your booking invoices together.

When is final payment due?

Final payments are due six weeks before the tour. When making your booking you can either pay the full balance or deposit amount. Bookings made within six weeks of the tour require full payment when booking.

How can I make my final payment?

Payments can be made online or by calling one of our offices. To pay online simply sign in at the top of this page and then go to 'My Invoices' and 'Pay'. Part payments can be made using multiple cards. Contact us to pay over the phone.